This is my first time stepping into the realm of nude and erotic photography—a space I’ve long dreamed of exploring. Ever since the onset of puberty, I’ve had this curiosity, this spark of desire to capture the human form in its rawest, most intimate state. It’s been a fantasy that has lingered in the back of my mind for years, yet only now, with both the time and financial independence, do I feel ready to dive in.

I decided that my first project would involve photographing men—something about the male body has always fascinated me. After putting the idea out into the world, Mr. La, a Laotian man, graciously agreed to model for me. He didn’t hesitate, and that alone filled me with such gratitude. His trust, his willingness to be vulnerable in front of my camera, felt like a gift, and I will forever be thankful for that.

Looking back, this experience feels monumental, like the beginning of something much larger than just photography. It feels deeply personal, a convergence of my artistic expression and my admiration for the beauty of the human body. This, in a way, is an ode to Mr. La—the man who became my first teacher, guiding me into this new artistic journey. There’s something profound about that first connection, the first exchange of trust and creative energy. His presence in front of my lens will always remain sacred to me, and this moment, this beginning, will stay etched in my mind.